What types of insurance are there?

There are many different types of insurance payers, plans and programs in the United States, each catering to different populations with different needs. Use this page to learn more about your current or potential plan.

Public payers are government-funded programs or types of financial support to help you pay for your medical treatments. Each program has different eligibility requirements, highlighted in the chart below, and application process.

Military plans are designed to provide and cover the costs of medical services to active duty military, retirees, veterans and their families.

Private plans are underwritten by either private insurance companies or private employers. Enrollment requirements and costs are determined by the company.

Insurance and Assistance For:

Disability

Elderly & Retired

Low Income

Children

Military & Veteran

General

Public Insurance and Assistance

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance coverage to eligible, qualified elderly and disabled individuals. Coverage benefits vary based on the site of service (i.e. doctor's office, hospital inpatient, hospital outpatient or home health treatments). More info

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is most simply defined as an insurance plan that helps to cover medical expenses when you are unable to work. You are entitled to benefits if you have worked jobs covered by Social Security and you have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. More info

Medicaid is a series of state administered programs designed to provide health insurance coverage to individuals such as the disabled, children or pregnant women who have low income. Each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. Find info about your state's program

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenue (not Social Security taxes). It is designed to help aged, blind and disabled people who have little or no income, and it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. More info

Child Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) are state programs designed to provide coverage to uninsured children whose family income falls under a certain level. More info

Insurance and Assistance For:

Disability

Elderly & Retired

Low Income

Children

Military & Veteran

General

Military

Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for providing federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. The VA provides coverage for basic and preventative care. More info

CHAMPVA is a health benefit program for the families of veterans with 100 percent service-connected disability and surviving spouse or children of a veteran who dies from a service-connected disability. The VA determines eligibility and processes CHAMPVA claims. More info

TRICARE is the name of the Department of Defense's managed health care program for active duty military, personnel, retirees and their families. More info

Insurance and Assistance For:

Disability

Elderly & Retired

Low Income

Children

Military & Veteran

General

Private & Other Types

Private payer plans vary greatly from company to company (and within companies) but are typically divided into two categories, indemnity plans and managed care plans. Today, virtually all private health insurance payers incorporate some form of a managed care component.

Self-funded plans are job-based plans under which employers or unions set aside money to pay for health care expenses directly, instead of contracting for services from a private health insurance payer. In this respect, the employer or union is the insurer and carries the associated risk.

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The information provided on the PHA website is provided for general information only. It is not intended as legal, medical or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with qualified professionals who are familiar with your individual needs.